• About the Aggies: The Aggies are coming off a banner debut season in the Southeastern Conference, going 11-2, which included an upset over eventual national champion Alabama, and a 28-point win over Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl. A&M opens the season ranked seventh, its highest preseason ranking in the Associated Press poll since 1999.

• Players to watch: If you had never heard of A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel this time last season, well, chances are you couldn’t stop hearing about him this offseason. When Manziel wasn’t in the news for his partying ways, he was at the center of controversy following an ESPN report he was under investigation by the NCAA for allegedly receiving payment for signing autographs. Back to football, Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy last year after throwing for 3,706 yards, rushing for 1,410 yards and accounting for 47 touchdowns. In what many believe will be his final season in College Station, Manziel will look to become only the second two-time winner of college football’s top individual award. … Wide receiver Mike Evans is Manziel’s No. 1 target after hauling in 82 receptions with 1,105 yards and five touchdowns. … All-American Jake Matthews moved to left tackle following the departure of Luke Joeckel, who was the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft. … Running back Ben Malena rushed for 808 yards and eight touchdowns last season. … The Aggies must replace three of their top five tacklers on defense. Linebacker Steven Jenkins is the Aggies’ top returning tackler (79) from last season. Defensive end Julien Obioha played every game as a freshman and will move to the rush end spot vacated by the departure of Demontre Moore, who had 12.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss. … Middle linebacker Donnie Baggs moved into the starting role after backing up Jenkins last season, and nickel cornerback Toney Hurd Jr. is a playmaker who can multiple positions.